More than 45,000 participants on 2,805 teams from around the world congregated at the Orange County Convention Center in June for the volleyball tournament of the year.
The facility hosted the 46th Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior National Volleyball Championships from June 16-28, 2019. The 12-day event welcomed more than 110,000 guests and is the world’s largest volleyball event and competition. This year’s competition was live streamed through Ballertv.com and select matches were available via WATCHESPN.
“Thanks to the tremendous relationships we have built throughout Central Florida, including the Orange County Convention Center, Walt Disney World Resort and Visit Orlando, this experience has become one of the best events in the world, at the best vacation destination in the world,” said Dr. Roger J. Goudy, President and CEO of the AAU. “We are thrilled to welcome thousands of athletes and their families each year to take part in this opportunity of a lifetime, not only for just the athlete but their families as well.”
The AAU’s continued success in Orlando saw the tournament yield a $108 million economic impact for the community.
“We appreciate the strong partnership between the Amateur Athletic Union and the Orange County Convention Center,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “This collaboration has enhanced this event to become the largest volleyball tournament in the world. I am proud that we can continue to be a premier destination for the AAU to host its events.”
AAU is contracted to return to the Orange County Convention Center through 2020.
Additionally, as part of the AAU Cares initiative, AAU partnered with the Side-Out Foundation to raise money for breast cancer research. For the third year, the tournament was an official Dig Pink Dig-A-Thon location and event participants were encouraged to wear pink.
